Human Rabies incidences in selected areas of Tanzania: Implications for community awareness and training

Abstract:

This paper discusses the status of rabies and control strategies in Morogoro and Iringa regions in
Tanzania. There has been an increasing number of reported cases of rabies in both humans and
animals in the country. This study utilizes old and new data from the veterinary and medical records
to examine the perpetuating factors for human rabies and also assesses the impact of the present
control measures. From the records, the study has shown that a total of 9,150 people have been
exposed to rabies suspect animals between 1986 and 1999 in Iringa and Morogoro regions. It was
further observed that the incidence of rabies was higher in males, children between one and 12 years
and young people with ages ranging between 21 and 39 years old. In most human victims, dogs were
responsible for causing injuries (6,834 that is 96% of the cases) but other causes of rabies were
monkeys 111(1.6%), cats 74 (IN), Man 57 (IN) and hyenas 18 (0.03). There was also a strong
correlation (P<0.01) between canine, wildlife and human rabies. The findings of this study indicate
that the situation of rabies in the study area and possibly in Tanzania is alarming and requires
serious control strategies. Participation of local communities in rabies control may be a key to
success. Early reporting of cases, participation in vaccination programmes and improvement of dog
management to reduce the number of strays should be emphasised. Educational programmes should
also be organized to sensitize communities On the gravity of the problems and to expose them to
remedial measures. On the other hand the government has an important role to play through
imposing and enforcing quarantines. The government should also set aside a budget for postexposure
treatment of humans exposed to rabies.. Concerted collaborative efforts between livestock,
wildlife and medical authorities are required in order to appropriately be able to control rabies in
Tanzania.